SAR Operation Resumes For Three Missing Fishing Vessel Crew Off Langkawi

ALOR SETAR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate three crew members of a fishing vessel still missing after their boat reportedly sank in the waters off Kuala Teriang, Langkawi, resumed this morning.

Kedah and Perlis Maritime deputy director of operations Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the SAR operation covered an area of 35.7 square nautical miles.

“The operation, which began at 7.30am, involves the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) assets KM Sugut and Bot Kilat 6, as well as the Marine Police’s (PPM) PLC 5 boat. 

“The incident, involving fishing vessel KF5420 (B), was reported to have involved four crew members, but one of them was rescued by a local fishing vessel,” he said in a statement today.

He said the three other crew members, including the vessel’s skipper, Kee Swee Kiat, 51, and two others whose identities have yet to be established, remained missing.

Mohamad Shukri said the search operation was continuing with the coordination of assets and personnel from the agencies involved to expand the search coverage and improve the chances of locating the missing crew members.

The vessel was last contacted on Nov 8 at about 11.33 pm while it was about eight nautical miles west of Pulau Burau, Langkawi.

The MMEA has also stepped up search efforts through cooperation with relevant agencies and the local maritime community to expand the search area.

Those with information on the incident are urged to contact the Kedah and Perlis Maritime Operations Centre at 04-966 2750 or the emergency hotline at 999. 

-- BERNAMA